Permethrin is marketed as Elimite by Allergan and the over-the-counter Nix Creme Rinse. Permethrin is a pesticide that kills fleas, mites, ticks, lice and other insects. Elimite is 5 percent permethrin topical cream used primarily to treat scabies. Nix Creme Rinse is a 1 percent permethrin topical rinse primarily used to treat head lice.
Emulsifying Agents
Elimite contains emulsifying agents, which keep oil and water in the creams combined. They include carbomer 934 P, which can thicken solutions and suspend insoluble chemicals; glyceryl monostearate; and lanolin alcohols.
Preservatives
Elimite contains preservatives 1 mg formaldehyde, or 0.1 percent of the entire cream, and butylated hydroxytoluene.
Moisturizers
Elimite contains the following moisturizers: isopropyl myristate, fractionated coconut oil, mineral oil and glycerin. Isopropyl myristate is a thickener and moisturizer that makes the consistency of creams less greasy or oily. Fractionated coconut oil and mineral oil can increase the solubility of permethrin as well as help the Elimite cream spread. Glycerin is a humectant that increases moisture on the skin.
Other Inactive Chemicals
Elimite contains several other inactive ingredients, including polyoxyethylene cetyl ethers, sodium hydroxide and purified water. Polyoxyethylene cetyl ethers are used as a surfactant, to reduce tension in the cream and help it spread more easily. Sodium hydroxide is used to neutralize the acid in the Elimite cream and bring the pH up to a more neutral, and less caustic level.
